[...]... weekly, focusing the children on one thing they wish to change and one thing they wish to develop If a detrimental habit has been with xx Guided Imagery with Children them for a long time, it may take a program of three weeks to change it Finally, you can do this work individually, with one child at a time, or in a small group setting or even with an entire class Children can also do it with a friend I... find this book useful in helping their children grow into happy individuals who are able to succeed in all areas of their lives The Nature of Children "Do grownups also have imagination, or only children? " -Jeff, age 7 Working with images comes naturally to children As one eightyear-old girl reported to me, "People say I'm the weirdest, xv Guided Imagery with Children brightest child they've ever met... done in the form of a game, and she reveled in it Imagery, too, is a form of game and can engage children for long periods of time Children also like to do things by themselves We've all seen adults trying to feed toddlers who grab the spoon away and utter, "Me do • XVI Guided Imagery with Children it, me do it." In imagery, we don't do anything for children we merely guide them to do by themselves... of enthusiasm and confidence necessary for success • •• XIII Guided Imagery with Children • 0- -rv M.t 1~ • ~ ~ 10 So we have to ask ourselves how we can help failing children succeed The best way that I know is through guided imagery Because imagery depends on imagination in which all is possibleunlike rationalism which sets limitations children can easily visualize themselves succeeding, and when... example, ••• XVIII Guided Imagery with Children when a child feels stuck, exercises opening doors and windows may be helpful Finally, it is important to recognize that imagery is quite different from fantasy The latter takes the child away from dealing concretely with her difficulties into a world of escape and unreality Imagery, on the other hand, teaches the child to deal concretely with her everyday... of our Jives The following section provides exercises that can be done with children to enable them to better understand themselves and find out more about their likes and dislikes At the start of each exercise, begin with the following induction: "Sit comfortably in a chair with your legs uncrossed Your hands I Guided Imagery with Children should be resting on your knees, palms up Close your eyes and... is with anything else we dream about If it is something sad we cry, something frightening we scream, something funny we laugh, and so on Our bodies respond to the imagined experience with physiological changes that can actually be measured scientifically This book, which harnesses the potential of imagery, is a powerful new tool for parents and for professionals who work with children • XIV Guided Imagery. .. get in touch with his own inner knowing and intuitive self Generally, results from an imagery exercise can be achieved in a week by doing the exercise daily for several consecutive days To consolidate the effect, the exercise should be done for two more weeks in a row • XIX Guided Imagery with Children While the exercises are numbered, this does not mean that the guide must give them to the children in... professionals who work with children • XIV Guided Imagery with Children Guidance counselors, teachers, social workers, and psychologists will find it especially useful And bright children can work with it on their own or with friends It can stimulate self-awareness, help develop interpersonal skills, assist with understanding feelings, and show children how to use undiscovered inner resources The power... exercise, begin with the following induction: "Sit comfortably in a chair with your legs uncrossed Your hands should be resting on your knees, palms up." Note to Guide: This enables the energy to flow freely in the body "Close your eyes and keep them closed until I tell you to open them This helps us see things that we can't see with our eyes open We will keep • XXI Guided Imagery with Children our eyes . XIII Guided Imagery with Children 0- -rv M.t. 1~ ~ • • ~. 10 So we have to ask ourselves how we can help failing children succeed. The best way that I know is through guided imagery. . which harnesses the potential of imagery, is a powerful new tool for parents and for professionals who work with children . • XIV Guided Imagery with Children Guidance counselors, teachers,. age 7 Working with images comes naturally to children. As one eight- year-old girl reported to me, "People say I'm the weirdest, xv Guided Imagery with Children brightest